05-11-2016 PR MIN WORK SESSION . City of
Elk Work Session Meeting of the Elk River
�� Parks and Recreation Commission
River Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, May I I, 2016
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Ahlness, Holmgren,
Kallemeyn, Niziolek,Nystrom, and Sagan
Council Liaison: Ms.Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker,Recreation Manager,
Steve Benoit, Recreation Coordinator,Tonya Love,and Parks
Maintenance Supervisor,Tim Sevcik
I. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof,the work session meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:24 p.m. by Chair
Anderson.
2. Woodland Trails Park Master Plan - HKGi
• HKGi staff Gabrielle Grinde shared timeline for the summer deadline for the grant
application. Reviewing the draft recommendations for the master plan,park
development,programming, and natural resources/ecological stewardship,by
referencing the details in the handout.
Commission discussed recommendations on how to spend the grant money.
• Acquire northeast corner of Elk River golf course
• Parking on north side should be added as a goal to acquire land for parking
lot
• Offer programming, archery at biathlon coursed
• Rental of snow shoes, compass, etc.
• Shared forrest management goals
Commissioner Niziolek stated that we need to get beyond salvaging and do a
sustainable function system. Restore functional ecological systems which should be
added to the plan.
Commissioners discussed and ranked goals and timeline to meet them in.
3. Hillside City Park Plan
Mr. Hecker share staff report. Discussing short and long term objectives of the
• hillside park.
Parks&Recreation Commission Work session Minutes Page 2
May 11,2016
Commissioner Niziolek would like to see a paved trail running through it and
believes it would be used by hundreds every day and is a high priority item. Need to
look at how it can be compatible.
Council member Wagner agrees because it is a"mountain bike"park and there is
nowhere to venture off safely out of Trott Book neighborhood. It would be very
popular on the east side of town.
Commissioner Niziolek stated to come up with a creative connection because there
is a huge population in that area.
Council member Wagner would love to see Hillside City Park be more of an
attraction. Keeping the expert level trails within park is important.
Commissioner Anderson said this is the perfect time to think outside the box and
like the idea of having a paved trail because it is a magnet to draw in other park users
with something for everybody.
Mr. Sevcik said we need a shelter and maintenance garage combined in clearing area.
Mr. Benoit shared that the entrance could be redone to offer more amenities.
Mr. Sevcik suggested to put parking lot in center of park.
Commissioner Niziolek wants to know what the master plan says about the
surrounding property around hillside.
Commissioner Niziolek asked if the park can be connected to Kliever Lake Fields.
Commissioner Anderson asked if this is something we do in house since we have no
funds and that it would be similar to Woodland Trails and how it took 25 years to
acquire all the land.
Mr. Hecker stated yes, and look at funds for next year. Parking lot,road and access
will be a part of the talks with MORC and looking at regional park status.
4. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the work session
meeting of th- Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission at 8:55 p.m.
Min/111 ep. / . sy Tony. ..'ove.
Dave Anderson, Chair
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Parks&Recreation Commission Work session Minutes Page 3
May 11,2016
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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